【F】 Remembering My Grandfather Via His Watches: Half 1

Since 2024 started, I’ve wished nothing greater than an opportunity to speak and chortle with my grandfather once more. This 12 months is the 18th since his passing, which was additionally half of my life in the past now. Maybe due to that, I really feel as if I may lastly comprehend and respect all of his perception and knowledge. As heartbreaking as it’s that we’ll stay realms aside, I’ll without end be glad about one of many presents he gave me — a deep appreciation for mechanical watches. Though he handed away simply as my ardour was blooming, I’ve not a shred of doubt that he planted the seed inside me. Now, having reunited with 4 of my grandfather’s watches, I’ll use them to study extra about him and honor his reminiscence.

At the moment, I’ll share two of the wristwatches that belonged to Audré H. Balogh, my maternal grandfather. One is a Hamilton Yorktowne that my late grandmother handed on to me in 2008. The opposite is an Elgin 6703E that I solely obtained final August after my aunt miraculously discovered it in a drawer. After touring dwelling to see my American household final summer season, I made a decision to convey these watches again to Japan. I’d now not go away them in a drawer in my outdated bed room in Maine, as had been the Yorktowne’s destiny for 11 years. As an alternative, I’d respect them, put on them, and use them as a springboard to find extra about my grandfather’s life. As smart people all the time say, it’s higher late than by no means.

The early lifetime of Aud Balogh

Audré Howard “Aud” Balogh was born on March thirtieth, 1924, in Cleveland, Ohio, USA. Preceded by his then-five-year-old brother Herbert, Aud was the second son of Frank and Gizella Balogh (née Vargo). Rising up, Aud skilled a mix of American and Hungarian tradition. His father had emigrated from Hungary in 1906 and are available by Ellis Island earlier than ultimately settling in Cleveland. Equally, Aud’s mom was a first-generation American born to Hungarian immigrants. They met at a Hungarian-owned retailer the place Gizella labored when Frank got here in someday to purchase development provides.

Frank and Gizella Balogh in 1925

Aud’s father Frank

Aud’s mom Gizella

Frank and Gizella typically spoke to one another in Hungarian, and, together with English, Aud turned proficient in his mother and father’ mom tongue as a boy. He additionally tremendously admired his father, who, at 18 years outdated, escaped squalid working situations in his homeland to forge a brand new life within the States. A carpenter, Frank Balogh had labored as an apprentice in Hungary. Based on my mom’s account, he had even needed to sleep in sawdust on the workshop ground. However after settling in Ohio, Frank mastered his commerce and ultimately took a job as an in-house carpenter for the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLE). Undoubtedly, this had an enormous affect on Aud, who wouldn’t solely change into a carpenter himself but additionally develop an unparalleled ardour for the American railroad.

As my aunt remembers, when Aud was 11, he obtained a lantern from the motive force of the milk or mail truck. This pivotal second ignited his ardour for lanterns, which have been of significant significance to locomotive engineers. As he grew, Aud realized carpentry and drafting from his father and absolutely turned more and more involved in Frank’s employer’s trade. Aud then graduated from Cleveland Heights Excessive Faculty on June eleventh, 1942, which brings us to the primary watch on this story.

Elgin 6703E: My grandfather’s commencement watch

Based in 1863 in Elgin, Illinois, the Elgin Nationwide Watch Firm was a serious participant within the American watch trade for over a century. The corporate proudly marketed its American manufacturing and, fairly understandably, spoke on to the hearts of the nation’s patriots. Moreover, in line with print adverts from the Nineteen Thirties and ’40s, Elgin watches have been extremely standard commencement presents.

An Elgin advert from 1940 — Picture: eBay (Schmitt Industrial)

“The standard commencement reward—a watch. The standard commencement watch—an ELGIN! And this 12 months, greater than ever, American graduates will select ELGIN,” reads the 1940 commercial above. A Google search of Elgin print adverts from this era reveals a prevalent theme: Elgin watches have been the prime selection of younger Individuals on the time. Although my grandfather was actually pleased with his Hungarian roots, he was equally proud to develop up in “the land of the free and the house of the courageous.” It makes full sense, then, that Aud would have beloved an Elgin as his first grownup watch.

An Elgin advert from 1941 — Picture: eBay (Lengthy Gone Geek Classic Adverts)

Above, we see a 1941 instance of Elgin’s patriotic promoting and, importantly, my grandfather’s would-be watch — No. 6703E — on the left. What’s so fascinating to me is that this “America First” collection made rose-tone Elgin watches extra reasonably priced than ever. Based on Greenback Occasions, the watch’s authentic $24.75 worth equates to $538.44 at the moment, which was most likely nonetheless a decent sum for my grandfather’s middle-class household. The case of this mannequin was base steel coated with rolled gold, which isn’t fairly as thick as gold capping however “comprises 100 occasions extra gold than common gold plates.”

The proof factors to 1942

Sadly, my mom and aunt have been unable to seek out any pictures of Aud sporting this watch within the Nineteen Forties. Out of curiosity, although, I ran the serial quantity on the Elgin 554 caliber inside by the Pocket Watch Database. Lo and behold, the estimated manufacturing 12 months of 1942 traces up with Aud’s commencement from highschool.

Elgin’s 1942 catalog exhibiting 15-jewel fashions — Picture: GeneJockey’s Elgin Watch Weblog

Elgin 6703E within the 1942 catalog — Picture: GeneJockey’s Elgin Watch Weblog

Moreover, whereas the earlier advert is from 1941, scans from the 1942 Elgin catalog by way of GeneJockey’s Elgin Watch Weblog present that the 6703E was nonetheless in manufacturing. Curiously, the value had additionally gone up by 75 cents, which was price almost $15 in at the moment’s cash. My aunt additionally has recollections of my grandfather sporting this watch and, sooner or later, listening to the story of how he bought it for commencement. Truthfully, all that is sufficient proof for me. I’m simply so grateful that my aunt discovered the watch when cleansing out my grandmother’s home after she handed.

When she gave me this Elgin, it was on a tricky and cracked burgundy leather-based strap, pictured right here. Clearly, this was the final strap that my grandfather paired with this watch. I beloved the look of it with the rose-tone case and patinated salmon dial. Nonetheless, since I plan to put on this watch, I opted for a quite becoming substitute.

I selected a burgundy strap product of Horween Chromexcel leather-based from Correct Kind. This leather-based was a acutely aware selection as a result of the Horween tannery is in Chicago, not too removed from the Elgin model’s namesake metropolis. Not solely does this strap keep the look that my grandfather had chosen, nevertheless it’s additionally exponentially extra comfy.

What I like about my grandfather’s Elgin 6703E

Admittedly, this watch is way smaller than those I normally put on. Its tonneau case measures a modest 30.5mm broad and simply 39mm from lug to lug. Then once more, this watch is from the early Nineteen Forties and was a superbly acceptable males’s measurement on the time. Contemplating that, when paired with this 16mm non-tapering strap, it doesn’t really feel too small for my 17cm (6.75″) wrist in any respect. Plus, at simply 8.7mm thick, it gives all of the under-the-cuff magnificence I’d ever want. However what I discover most putting is the hue of the rosé dial with the contrasting yellow-gold-tone numerals and fingers. Whereas it’s unusual to see yellow and rose gold combined this manner at the moment, I discover the mix fairly beautiful. The font of the Breguet numerals can also be marvelous, proper all the way down to the “plus signal” on the “4.”

I might be getting a radical cleansing and repair for this watch as quickly as I can discover a sympathetic watchmaker I belief right here in Osaka. All issues thought of, although, the Elgin 554 caliber inside nonetheless seems quite good for its age. And though I don’t need to push it too arduous for now, it even runs fairly properly for having sat in a drawer for thus lengthy. I used to be pleasantly shocked to see the rubies set in chatons, which we now are likely to affiliate with higher-end watchmaking. This was not a high-end watch, even inside the Elgin vary. With solely 15 jewels (the jewel rely was essential to clients again then), it sat beneath the 17-jewel Elgin DeLuxe and 21-jewel Lord Elgin traces. However, with some TLC, I’m certain this Balogh household treasure will maintain ticking for many years to return.

My grandfather’s life after highschool

Outfitted along with his Elgin watch, Aud Balogh took a job straight out of highschool with the Common Electrical firm in Cleveland. He labored as a draftsman and, in line with official navy paperwork, “made detailed drawings of machine instruments from sketches exhibiting all dimensions, supplies for use, and different pertinent knowledge.” Nonetheless, with World Battle II nonetheless raging, Aud solely labored for GE for roughly 9 months earlier than enlisting within the US Military. He entered energetic service on March twenty ninth, 1943, someday earlier than his nineteenth birthday.

Based on US Military information, he would serve for the “period of the Battle or different emergency, plus six months, topic to the discretion of the President or in any other case in line with regulation.” With carpentry expertise underneath his belt, Aud fortunately managed to avoid the entrance traces whereas serving as a Tec 4 (Technician fourth grade). His official title was Carpenter Common, and he served with the fifty fifth Medium Port for six months in Saipan as a carpentry teacher. Upon returning to US soil for the rest of his service, he continued that function. This included coaching teams for a 12 months in Pennsylvania, serving to others as they carried out development duties round camp, constructing crates for abroad shipments, repairing firm services, and developing numerous small buildings.

Sadly, with no pictures, I can solely speculate, however I prefer to assume his Elgin watch faithfully accompanied my grandfather by this all. If solely this watch may discuss, I’m wondering what sort of tales it will inform…

After the battle, life goes on

Having faithfully served his time within the US Military, Aud Balogh was honorably discharged on February twenty third, 1946. Following that, it appears he went again to work for a time earlier than enrolling on the Dunwoody Institute (now Dunwoody School of Expertise) in Minneapolis, Minnesota. There, Aud fittingly majored in Architectural Drafting & Estimating and graduated with the category of 1949. Then, after having already proven proficiency in his father’s craft, Aud determined to comply with in Frank Balogh’s footsteps even additional. In 1950, he secured a job with the exact same firm, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers in Cleveland. He joined the BLE’s Constructing Affiliation and obtained his first paycheck from the corporate on June twenty third of that 12 months.

The significance of this for my grandfather can’t be overstated. He would spend the subsequent 50 years in trustworthy service to the BLE, which ultimately turned the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen. This job wouldn’t solely assist him hone his carpentry expertise even additional however would additionally amplify his budding ardour for the American railroad. Although he by no means turned a prepare conductor, Aud would amass an unimaginable information of trains, railroad infrastructure, lanterns, and, sure, railroad watches. He would gather tons of railroad memorabilia, together with dozens of pocket watches from, amongst others, Waltham, Illinois Watch Firm, and Hamilton.

Hamilton turns into my grandfather’s favourite watch model

I fully perceive why my grandfather gravitated to Hamilton. In case you’ve learn my article on the model’s early years, you’ll perceive the huge function that Hamilton performed in railroad timekeeping. From the pivotal 1893 Grade No. 936 pocket watch to the Grade No. 992, the preferred American railroad watch ever, Hamilton produced watches of unmatched reputation inside the railroad trade. Sadly, my grandmother offered lots of Aud’s Hamilton pocket watches after he handed. Nonetheless, she did maintain his Hamilton wristwatches and gave them to me. After I obtained them for Christmas again in 2008, she confirmed that Hamilton was certainly my grandfather’s favourite watch model of all.

Jackie Groth (quickly to be Balogh)

Aud Balogh

First comes love, then comes marriage…

My grandfather met Jacqueline “Jackie” Groth within the early Nineteen Fifties. They lived on the identical road and noticed one another a number of occasions whereas driving the Fast Transit into Cleveland for work. But it surely wasn’t till someday when Aud went to Jackie’s home to inquire about some lumber that her father was promoting that they hit it off. As my mom remembers, Jackie’s mom stated that Aud was “SO good-looking” when he walked into their kitchen that day. Sadly, she doesn’t recall what my grandmother considered him then, however a phrase like “dashing” appears acceptable to me. The 2 began courting, fell deeply in love, and have become husband and spouse on April twenty fourth, 1954. Precisely two years and eight months later, my mom Holly was born, and her sister, my aunt Barbara, adopted in April 1959.

Taking a look at pictures from their days as newlyweds and younger mother and father, evidently Aud and Jackie have been head over heels for one another. Importantly for this story, that is additionally after we begin to see the Hamilton Yorktowne seem on my grandfather’s wrist. Within the colour photograph above, he’s sporting it on what seems like a gold bangle bracelet.

On this early ’60s household photograph along with his mother and father, we additionally see the Hamilton Yorktowne on his wrist. Whereas that is removed from a close-up, we will distinguish the watch because of its lengthy, slender sides and wider surfaces at 12 and 6 o’clock.

The Yorktowne in Hamilton’s 1940 catalog — Picture: Classic Hamilton Watch Restoration (Hamilton Chronicles)

The Yorktowne in Hamilton’s 1941 catalog — Picture: Classic Hamilton Watch Restoration (Hamilton Chronicles)

The Hamilton Yorktowne

Based on Classic Hamilton Watch Restoration, the Yorktowne was solely made for 2 years — 1940 and ’41. Above, we see it within the Hamilton catalogs from each of these years, however certainly, it was passed by 1942. That is fascinating as a result of it leads me to imagine that my grandfather purchased this watch secondhand. Sadly, I can’t affirm this, nevertheless it is sensible that he may’ve purchased it after discovering Hamilton’s significance to the railroad. And when positioned subsequent to his Elgin 6703E, the Hamilton Yorktowne actually looks like an “improve” of kinds.

Each watches characteristic Arabic numerals on their dials. The Hamilton Yorktowne’s, nevertheless, are utilized and strong 18K gold, whereas the Elgin 6703E’s are merely stamped and gold plated. As you possibly can see, the fonts are additionally completely different, with the Yorktowne’s numerals taking up a extra Gothic model. Moreover, the Hamilton Yorktowne has a 10K-yellow-gold-filled case quite than a rolled-gold one. Whereas related in impact, in line with The Classic Compact Store, a “gold-filled” plating is thicker, requiring two layers of gold as an alternative of 1. Notably, the Hamilton Yorktowne additionally value considerably extra when new, having are available in at $45 in 1940 (about $986 at the moment).

Hamilton calibers within the model’s 1941 catalog — Picture: Classic Hamilton Watch Restoration (Hamilton Chronicles)

The Hamilton 980 caliber inside

Contained in the Yorktowne beats Hamilton’s in-house Grade 980 motion. Whereas the Elgin’s 15-jewel motion was spherical in a tonneau-shaped case, the form of the Hamilton’s 17-jewel caliber fits the case higher. Although it’s not simple to entry with out eradicating the dial (which I dare not do myself), we will see an illustration and outline on the catalog web page above. Notably, it used Hamilton’s pretty new Elinvar hairspring for extra constant elasticity and, subsequently, better resistance to temperature adjustments than conventional metal springs. As well as, it paired this with a monometallic steadiness, which was extra antimagnetic than extra frequent bimetallic counterparts. Whereas the 980 wasn’t an elaborately embellished motion, it was as strong and dependable as one would anticipate of Hamilton calibers.

Appreciating my grandfather’s Hamilton Yorktowne

As proven earlier within the article, I obtained this watch on a 10K-gold-filled expandable bracelet. Although it’s certainly comfy, I additionally assume the watch seems nice on this olive-green leather-based strap. It tones the dressiness down a number of notches however not a lot as to detract from the elegant dial. For me, that is the candy spot for informal put on. Admittedly, it’s quite arduous to seek out good straps for this watch as a result of its 14mm lug spacing. In the future, I’ll have a customized non-tapering nubuck strap made in an identical colour.

The Yorktowne’s case measures simply 21mm broad and eight.1mm thick however has a beautiful 43mm lug-to-lug size. Once more, it’s smaller than the watches I normally put on, nevertheless it fits the model of the early Nineteen Forties properly. I’m sporting it as I kind this, and each time I look down, it brings a really Aud Balogh-like grin to my face.

My grandfather laughing at a swim get together along with his Hamilton Yorktowne on his wrist

Seeing this watch on my grandfather’s wrist in photos and now on mine in actual life, I want I may ask him about how and why he bought it. What was it that drew him to the Hamilton Yorktowne? Was it the truth that it a shared related model along with his Elgin however had a barely nicer execution? Was it the Hamilton model’s connection to the railroad? Or was it each of those components…or neither of them? My goodness, how I lengthy to spend time with him once more, bonding over the issues I by no means appreciated after I was a toddler.

Aud along with his lantern assortment, sporting his Elgin on his wrist

To be continued…

This can be the primary, nevertheless it won’t be the final time that I discover my grandfather’s historical past by his watches. I’ve two extra of his wristwatches right here with me in Japan, and I’ll do my finest to find out about them and the way they match into his life. I discovered a lot about him whereas making ready this text, and it’s the easiest way I understand how to pay tribute to this passionate, caring man.

So far as each photograph and reminiscence that I’ve suggests, my grandfather by no means wore a quartz watch in his lifetime. He valued custom and, as a carpenter, absolutely appreciated the handbook side of mechanical watchmaking. Now, at almost 36 years outdated, I actually respect the watches and passionate spirit that I inherited from him. Moreover, I’m prouder than ever to be named Brandon Balogh Baines.

Audré Howard Balogh would have been 100 years outdated at the moment, March thirtieth, 2024. Completely happy birthday, Grampy. I hope I’m making you proud.